Taiwan Slams Somalia's Travel Ban on Taiwanese Passport Holders

In a bid to strengthen diplomatic relations, Taiwan faces backlash as Somalia enforces a travel ban on its passport holders.

Taiwan's Foreign Ministry has denounced Somalia's move to prevent Taiwanese passport holders from entering the African nation, attributing the decision to pressure from China. This comes as Taiwan seeks to bolster its relationships with Somaliland, a breakaway region that declared independence from Somalia in 1991. Somaliland has gradually enhanced its diplomatic relations with Taiwan, much to the dismay of Somalia and Beijing, which aim to amplify their influence in Africa.

Somaliland, home to approximately five million residents, has its own governing systems, yet remains largely unrecognized by the global community, limiting its ability to engage in trade or security agreements. Recently, Somaliland has taken steps to gain diplomatic recognition from the United States, particularly by courting relationships with Republican lawmakers and conservative groups.

The Somali Civil Aviation Authority informed airline operators last week that as of Wednesday, Taiwanese passport holders would be barred from entering, exiting, or transiting through Somalia. This directive is cited to comply with United Nations Resolution 2758, which, although it recognized the People's Republic of China as the sole representative of China at the UN, did not specifically address Taiwan's status.

Taiwan's Foreign Ministry has made clear that it views the travel ban as an unfounded act influenced by Beijing's claims over Taiwan, which China considers part of its territory. This diplomatic clash highlights the complex geopolitics surrounding Taiwan and its push for international recognition amidst rising tensions with China.